Numbering-head



M. H. KERN.

NUMBERING HEAD.

APPLICATION FI-LED JULY 12, 1919.

1,337,232 Patented Apr. 2K}, 192% ATTORNEY.

untrue STATES PATENT GFFIGE.

IM AXIMILIAN H. KERN, OF RIDGEVIOOD, NEVJ YORK, ASSIGNOR TO ROBERTS NUM- BERING MACHINE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

NUMBERIIIG-HEAD.

Application filed July 12,

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MAXIMILIAN H.1(ERN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Ridgewood, in the borough of Queens, city of New York, county of Queens, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Numbering- Heads, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof.

My invention relates to numbering heads, and more particularly to those structural characteristics thereof whereby when setting the head the cipher upon each digit wheel, above the units wheel, may. be brought to the non-printing position, and will be maintained in the printing plane after the digit wheel is brought into operation for printing.

Numbering heads, whether they are so constructed as to be actuated by a hand pressed plunger, or as to be mounted in a machine and be actuated automatically, are small compact structures requiring precise workmanship and considerable nicety of finish.

In some heads of the so-called drop cipher type which have been heretofore manufactured, it has been the common practice to make each of the digit wheels of a denomination higher than the units, with the digits 1 to 9 formed on the periphery thereof, and with the zero formed upon a separate block movably mounted in a recess in the wheel. The lower face of this block is provided with an under cut tongue adapted, with slight over-running of the wheel, to enter a recess in the shaft upon which the wheel is rotatably mounted, thus permitting the cipher block, when setting the head, to be dropped within the circumference of the printing wheel so as to be below the printing plane of the wheel, while maintaining it on the printing plane under normal working conditions. It has also been the usual practice with this type of head, to form the ratchet wheel by means of which each digit wheel is actuated, integrally with or rigidly attached to the digit wheel proper, which construction extends to that type of head in which, instead of using a movable cipher block to bring the zero out of the printing Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 20, 1920.

1919. Serial No. 310,336.

position, the wheel in its entirety has movement radially, or substantially radially, of its shaft for the purpose of bringing the zero type below the printing plane.

The type of digit wheel employing a cipher block has the advantage that the ratchet wheel upon the non-printing wheels, is so positioned as to always hear substantially the same relation to the actuating and holding pawls, while in the type in which the wheel in its entirety moves, movement of the wheel and the ratchet changes the relative relation of these parts.

In a numbering head made in accordance with my invention, the structure is such as to permit the digit wheel in its entirety to be moved substantially radially of its shaft independently of the ratchet wheel associated therewith, thus permitting said ratchet wheel and its associated pawls to always have the same operative relation, irrespective of the position of the wheel, and insuring uniform working conditions throughout the head at all times. By this construction the necessity for the use of a small cipher block and the fine work in producing and fitting same to the wheel, is obviated.

Furthermore the rapidity with which a numbering head may be set for the beginning of a run, is' very much increased, since a digit wheel may be moved out of the printing position without imparting any substantial movement to the ratchet wheel, and the locking pawl operative upon said ratchet wheel will hold it against movement, thus avoiding the necessity for the application of material force to overcome the tension of the spring acting upon said pawl in imparting the desired movement to the wheel.

The freedom with which the digit wheel may be moved avoids any likelihood of such excess movement thereof as will cause the holding pawl to engage the succeeding tooth of the ratchet wheel, which would necessitate the complete rotation of the wheel before it may be brought with the cipher in the non-printing position.

The invention consists primarily in a numbering head embodying therein a shaft, a units digit wheel, and a plurality of digit wheels of denominations above the units wheel having a substantially elliptical bearing opening therein and a tongue adjacent LA 44444 A.

one major axis of said opening, said shaft having a recessed portion adapted to receive said tongues respectively, whereby said wheel may have movement substantially radially of said shaft, said digit wheels being rotatably mounted upon said shaft, a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted on said shaft and having a true. circular bearing therein, associated with each of said digit wheels of denominations higher than units, a lost motion connection between each of said ratchets and its associated wheel, a ratchet wheel rotatable with said units digit wheel, actuating means including pawls cooperating with said ratchet wheels respectively, and

holding pawls operative upon said ratchets respectively, and in such other novel features of construction and combination of parts as are hereinafter set forth and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims hereto appended.

Referring to the drawings,

Figure 1 is a front elevation of part of a hand operated numbering head,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of one of the digit wheels of higher denomination, w'th the zero in the printing position;

Fig. 3 is a similar view with the zero in the non-printing position; and

Fig. 4 is an exploded sectional view of the digit wheel in the position shown in Fig. 3. f

Like letters refer to like parts throughout the several views.

The general type of numbering head shown in the accompanying drawings is old and well known in this art, so that a detailed illustration or description of the actuating mechanism is unnecessary, particularly as this mechanism will vary with different styles of numbering heads both hand operated and machine operated.

My invention relates more particularly to the construction of the digit wheels of higher denomination so that the wheel may have movement in relation to its actuating and holding ratchet to bring the zero below the printing position, this construction being applicable to both hand and power machines, irrespective of the type of actuating mechanism employed.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in t 1e drawings, T have illustrated it in connection with a hand numbering machine, showing only a part of this machine and omitting the details of the wheel actuating mechanism, except the swinging frame and the comb pawl carried thereby.

In the drawings the frame of the machine is indicated at a. Carried by this frame is a shaft 1) having rotatably mounted thereon a units digit wheel 0 and wheels of higher denomination (l, e and 7 adapted to be sequentially operated in the usual and well known manner.

The units wheel 0 has permanently secured thereto a ratchet wheel 0 and each of the digit wheels (Z, c and f has associated therewith a ratchet wheel (5, e and 7" rotatably mounted upon the shaft 6 and operatively connected with its wheel by a lost motion connection, which, while transmitting rotary movement to its wheel, will permit it to have movement with relation thereto and to the shaft 13 substantially radially of the latter so that the wheel in its entirety may be so positioned as to bring the cighe or zero type thereupon below the normal printing plane of the digit wheel, or into a non-printing position.

The construction of each digit wheel of a denomination higher than the units, is identical to that of every other, excepting as to the wheel of highest denomination, which has no zero or cipher thereon, so that a detailed description of but one of these wheels will be necessary, it being understood that the construction, manner of assembling and mode of operation of all of the wheels in a numbering head, and the number of such may be varied at will, is the same excepting as to the units wheel and the wheel of highest denomination.

Each of the digit wheels of higher denomination has a substantially elliptical bearing opening as (5 the minor axis of which is such as to have a loose running fit with the shaft 6. This wheel (1 has a projecting tongue d at one of the major axes of said opening (l the end of which is curved on the same radius as the shaft 2) and is of a sufficient length to form a substantial bearin thereupon.

The shaft 6 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 6 therein so as to form, adjacent each of the wheels of higher denomination, a recess adapted to receive the tongue thereon corresponding with the tongue ri and thus permit movement of said wheel substantially radially of said shaft. The slot 5 is positioned slightly beyond the vertical diameter of the shaft, or in advance of the printing position of the number types upon the wheel d, so that it is necessary to advance the wheel slightly beyond its normal position in order to impart the desired radial movement thereto. The tongue 03 is positioned below the zero or cipher type so as to permit the wheel to be dropped only when this type has passed the printing position, the tongue at all other times maintaining the various types upon the wheel, in the printing plane.

The groove Z) extends obliquely to the vertical diameter of the shaft, thus providing an under-cut at one side thereof and a bevel on the other side thereof, affording an overhang against which the tongue (Z may bear when the zero type is in the printing position and facilitating the disengagefnent of said tongue. with said slot with the rotary movement of the wheel d. The tongue 0 extends from the bearing opening d at the same angle of obliquity as the slot 5 with relation to the vertical diameter of the wheel.

The ratchet wheel at associated with the digit wheel 0?, is provided with a true circular bearing having a loose running fit upon the shaft 6, said ratchet thus being so mounted as to always turn in a true circle upon said shaft and always be maintained in the same relation to the actuating and detent pawls in a manner which will be more fully described hereinafter.

While the ratchet wheel cl is independent of its digit type wheel d, it is operatively connected therewith by a lost motion connection which, while transmitting ro tary movement to said wheel, will permit movement of the wheel radially of the shaft Z) without any similar movement of the ratchet wheel. This connection in the form of the invention shown, is secured by means of the diametrically opposite pins g-g carried by the wheel (Z and entering elongated slots hh in the ratchet wheel d. T is slot it extends substantially radially of the wheel (Z, while the slot It has slight obliquity with relation to the opposite radius of said wheel, so as to permit simultaneous circumferential and radial movement of the Wheel (Z. The degree of this obliquity is sufficient to permit the tongue (Z to enter the recess 6.

l l l'iile T have shown but one pin g and its codperating slot it, it is apparent that the number of these pins and slots 1y be increased if desired, without modifying the mode of operation of the digit wheel structure. It is also apparent that to mount the pins g-g upon the ratchet wheel (Z and form the slots lag-h in the wheel (Z, would be a mere reversal of parts without modifying the operative effect secured. I prefer to form the slots in the ratchet wheel (Z because this wheel is made of light stock and the slots may be more readily formed therein, while the pins may be more firmly secured in the wheel (Z by reason of the greater width of the wheel.

Carried by the swing frame are plu rality of pawls j, 5 and adapted to cooperate with the ratchet wheels 0', (1, c, and f respectively, for the purpose of imparting sequential rotary movement thereto in the usual The pawls j to j are of gradi'iated heights, the transfer operation from a wheel of one denomination to the wheel of the next higher denomination re sulting from the variable moverrent of these pawls, as determined by the position of the various numbering wheels. Each the ratchet wheels 0, cZQe, and f has a recess as d therein so positioned that when the digit 9 of: all wheelsof lower denomination are in the printing position, the various pawls j to j will be permitted to advance so that the pawl cotiperating with the first wheel of higher denomination in which the digit type 9 is not in the printing position, will engage the ratchet of that wheel but will be held thereby out of engagement with the ratchet wheels of the printing wheels of higher denomination. This construction and arrangement is old and well known in this art, however, and forms no part of my present invention, as any other suitable actuating and transfer mechanism may be em ployed, if desired.

The other side of each of the ratchet wheels has associated therewith a spring pressed detent pawl is having the three-fold function of preventing a return rotation of its ratchet wheel and its type wheel; securing the desired alinement of the digit types upon the various wheels, and resisting a tendency of the wheels of higher. denomination to rotate with the wheels of lower denomination at times other than when the transfer mechanism is operative to secure this result.

In the accompanying drawings I have in dicated the cipher type at 0.

Each of the wheels in addition to the cipher type will have digit types '1 to the ratchet wheels associated therewith having ten teeth, which is customary in mecha nisms of this type.

The operation of the herein described mechanism is sul'istantially as follows In Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawing the units digit or type wheel 0 has the r type 9 in the printing position; the dr wheel (Z has the cipher type in the printi- 3' plane preparatory to dropping the wheel so as to bring it below this plane, or into the non-printing position; and the remaining digit wheels have the cipher type in the nonprinting position. When the parts in the relation shown in Fig. l, the wheel ."Z and the shaft 7) will occupy the relative position shown in Fig. 2.

To drop the wheel (Z it is turned slightly to the right until the tongue (2 is in t with the open top of the recess Z). N reason of the radial direction of the slot 5/. this slight movement of the wheel (Z will impart movement to the ratchet wheel (7, bet immediately that the tongue (Z re 'stei's with said recess, said ratchet wheel ill be returned to the normal pos on c-y its pa in, the slot and pin connection 7L "o mitting movement of the wheel (Z radially of the shaft 7), and a slight return movement thereof independently of said ratchet i A In fact when the wheel (Z is in the positi n where it may he dropped, the simul ncous radial and rotary movement of i wheel will be about a changing fulcrum point at forded by the pin and slot connection g--h between it and its ratchet wheel d.

It will be observed, by reference to Fig. 3 of the drawings, that while when the type wheel is dropped the digit types thereon will be slightly advanced, the ratchet wheel associated therewith, will be in exactly the same position as when the cipher type is in the printing position as shown in Fig. 2, so that irrespective of the interlock provided by the overhang of the recess 6 and the under-cut of the tongue al there will be no tendency of the pawl is to impart a return movement to the digit wheel through said ratchet wheel. With a lost motion connection between the digit type wheel and its associated ratchet wheel, immediately that the tongue d is in register with the recess 6', the wheel in its entirety will drop, since this lost motion connection will immediately relieve the type wheel from all stresses from the pawl cooperating with its associated ratchet wheel.

This relief of the wheel d from stresses from the pawl is through the ratchet wheel 03 permits said type wheel to drop freely .with relation to the shaft 1) while permitting the ratchet Wheel 03 to have a return movement independently of the type wheel to the extent of the overrun of said ratchet wheel. During this interval the outer wall of the slot 9 engaging the pin it will have a tendency to force the digit type wheel downwardly, or toward the shaft 6, the slot and pin connection gh permitting this movement. At the same time, with the limit of the return movement of the ratchet wheel (1, the forward edge of the slot 9, or the edge in the direction 01": normal rotation of the ratchet wheel, will impart a slight return movement to the digit wheel (5 sufiicient to engage the interlock between the tongue d and the groove 6.

The wheel in dropping will have two movements, one substantially tangentially to its circle of rotation, and the other substantially radially of the shaft 6, these two components resulting in a slight rotary movement of the wheel upon the pin it as a pivot.

Since the movement of the type wheel to bring it to the non-printing position is merely a small fraction of inch, the above mode of operation is not pronounced, particularly as, with the usual methods of setting a type wheel, the pressure will be applied upon the type wheel proper by the operator with a quickness to cause the manual operation of the wheel to coincide with the functions above stated.

When the type wheel has been dropped, the interlock between the tongue d and the groove 1), together with'the slot and pin connection gh, will prevent movement of the wheel radially of the shaft, so that the accidental return of the type wheel to the printing position is impossible, except upon a subsequent rotation of the wheel through the medium of its associated ratchet wheel.

Assuming that the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 1, but that the type wheel (Z has been dropped, upon the succeeding actuation of the numbering head, the pawl j will enter the recess in the wheel 0', thus permitting the pawl j to engage a tooth upon the ratchet wheel d, thus imparting rotative movement to said ratchet wheel d, the remaining actuating pawls associated with wheels of higher denomination being held out of the operative relation to their associated ratchet wheels as a result of the engagement of the pawl j with a tooth of its ratchet wheel at.

As the ratchet wheel d is rotated, the rear wall of the slot 9 will exert a thrust upon the stud it and thus impart simultaneous rotation to the type wheel 4!. WVith this rotation the cooperating bevel faces of the groove 6 and the tongue OZ will cause said tongue to rise out of said slot, the movement of the wheel radially of the shaft 6 being permitted by the radially extending slot 9 and the obliquely extending slot 9, the constantly changing fulcrum point between the slot 9 and the pin it, and the arrangement of the slot 9 having a compensating action which will permit a slight retardation of the type wheel cl until the tongue d is entirely disengaged from the groove 6. This retardation results from the fact that when the type wheel d is dropped, the pin it will be upon a long radius of the ratchet wheel d. During the initial rotation of said ratchet wheel, at which time the tongue (Z will be brought out of the groove Z), the pin it will be moving along this radius of said ratchet wheel, thus causing a variance of the movement in arc of said pin it and consequently of the wheel (Z. In other words, during the very short interval of time during which the'type wheel (Z is brought into the printing plane of rotation, the pin it will move through a shorter arc than the outer end of the slot 9 as a result of the elliptical bearing in the type wheel (Z and the lost motion afiiorded by the slot and pin connection g-h'. Instantly with the engagement of the inner face of the tongue (i with the bearing surface of the shaft 5,

however, power will be applied to saidwheel (Z by both slots g--g so that thereafter the ratchet wheel a! and the wheel (1 will rotate at uniform speed.

This variance in the movement in are between the ratchet wheel cl and the type wheel d during the initial movement in restoring the latter to the normal printing plane, will coincide with the return movement of the wheel d in excess of that of the type wheel 02 when dropping the cipher. The effect of this condition is, in a sense, the simultaneous movement of the type wheel d about two centers, that of the shaft 6 and of the pin 'h, these movements being in opposite directions so that the wheel d in its entirety during this interval has a shorter arc of movement than the ratchet wheel cl.

As the type wheel d is being brought into the printing position as a result of the rotation of the ratchet wheel (Z, the inner wall of the slot 9' will cooperate with the bevels upon the groove 7) and tongue 613, in imparting radial movement to the said wheel d.

As each of the wheels of higher denomination are brought into play, as a result of the sequential operation of the head, the type thereon will be brought into the printing position in the manner above referred to in relation to the Wheel cl.

When a type wheel is once brought to the printing position, it will be maintained in this position as each digit type thereon reaches the printing position as a result of the groove 6 being slightly in advance of the printing position. If the tongue (Z should drop into the groove 6 after the zero type has passed from the printing position, it will immediately pass out of the groove by one and the same impulse of the pawl j, so that to all intents and purposes when a wheel is once brought into place. it will continue to rotate about a true center.

It will be observed that the ratchet wheels, such as cl, always turn about a true center, and that the teeth thereof, whether a type wheel is in the printing or in the nonprinting position, are always in the same position with relation to the actuating and the detent pawls. Hence, as each type wheel is brought into play, said pawls will operate thereupon in the same manner and at the same instant as upon those type wheels which are already in play, thus avoiding any and all probability of shipping or imperfect action in the head, and avoiding the use of special mechanisms to prevent this condition.

While I have herein referred to recesses formed by the roove 6, I do not desire to limit myself to the particular manner in which these recesses are formed, the use of a groove being merely a mechanical expedient.

I believe it to be broadly new to provide a numbering head wherein a digit wheel and its associated ratchet wheel are independent one of the other, except for a lost motion connection permitting movement of the type wheel in a general direction radially of its shaft independently of said. ratchet wheel, the type wheel having an elongated bearing therein topermit such movement, while the ratchet wheel has a true circular bearing preventing such movement on its part.

As heretofore stated, the digit wheel of highest denomination ordinarily has no cipher type thereon, so that the construction herein described is not requisite in connection therewith. This wheel, however, could be made as herein described, if desired. Since there is no necessity for dropping the units wheel to bring the cipher out of the printing position, the drop cipher feature is not employed and is not necessary with this wheel, although, if desired, for the sake of standardization, the same construction might be employed with the units wheel as with wheels of higher denomination. Ordinarily, however, the ratchet of the units wheel is heavier than of other wheels, since the element of spacing is not present with this wheel, and the additional wear upon this wheel makes it desirable to use both a heavier ratchet wheel and a heavier pawl.

It is not my intention to limit the invention to the precise details of construction shown in the accompanying drawings, it being apparent that such may be varied with out departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to have protected by Letters Patent, is

1. A numbering head embodying therein a shaft, a units digit wheel, and a plurality of digit wheels of denominations above the units wheel, each having a substantially elliptical bearing opening therein and a tongue adjacent one major axis of said open ing, said shaft having recessed portion adj acent each of said last named wheels adapted to receive said tongues respectively, whereby said digit wheel may have movement substantially radially of said shaft and is rotatably mounted thereupon, a ratchet wheel having a true circular bearing opening rotatably mounted on said shaft adjacent each of said digit wheels of higher denomination, a lost motion connection between each of said ratchet wheels and its associated digit wheel, a ratchet wheel rotatable with said units digit wheel, actuating means including pawls cooperating with said ratchet wheels respectively, and holding pawls also operative upon saic ratchet wheels respectively.

2. A numbering head embodying therein a shaft, a units digit wheel, and a plurality of digit wheels of denominations above the units wheel, each having a substantially elliptical bearing opening therein and a tongue adjacent one major axis of said opening, said shaft having a recessed portion adj acent each of said last named wheels adap ed to receive said tongues respectively, whereby said digit wheel may have movement substantially radially of said shaft and is rotatably mounted thereupon, a-

rotatable with said units digit wheel, actuating means including pawls cooperating with said ratchet wheels respectively, and holding pawls also operative upon said ratchet wheels respectively.

3. A numbering head embodying therein a shaft, a units digit wheel, and a plurality of digit wheels of denominations above the units wheel, each having a substantially elliptical bearing opening therein and a tongue adjacent one major axis of said opening, said shaft having a recessed portion adjacent each of said last named wheels adapted to receive said tongues respectively, whereby said digit wheel may have movement substantially radially of said shaft and is rotatably mounted thereupon, said recessed portions having an overhang, and said tongues having a cooperating undercut portion, a ratchet wheel having a true circular bearing opening rotatably mounted on said shaft adjacent each of said digit wheels of higher denomination, a lost motion connection between each of said ratchet wheels and its associated digit wheel, a ratchet wheel rotatable with said units digit wheel, actuating means including pawls cooperating with said ratchet wheels respectively, and holding pawls also operative upon said ratchet wheels respectively.

4;. A numbering head embodying therein a shaft, a units digit wheel, and a plurality of digit wheels of denominations above the units wheel, each having a substantially elliptical bearing opening therein and a tongue adjacent one major axis of said opening, said shaft having a recessed portion adjacent each of said last named wheels adapted to receive said tongues respectively, whereby said digit wheel may have movement substantially radially of said shaft and is rotatably mounted thereupon, said recessed portions having an overhang, and said tongues having a cooperating undercut portion, a ratchet wheel having a true circular bearing opening rotatably mounted on said shaft adjacent each of said digit wheels of higher denomination, a pin and slot connection between each of said ratchet wheels and its associated digit wheel, a ratchet wheel rotatable with said units digit wheel, actuating means including pawls cooperating with said ratchet wheels respectively,

and holding pawls also operative upon said ratchet wheels respectively.

5. In a numbering head, a digit wheel structure comprising a type wheel having digit types about the periphery thereof, a bearing opening enlarged upon one side of the center thereof, and a tongue projecting inwardly of said enlarged portion having a bearing face concentric with the other side of said opening, a ratchet wheel associated therewith having a true circular bearing opening therein and a lost motion connection between said type wheel and said ratchet wheel.

6. In a numbering head, a digit wheel structure comprising a type wheel having digit types about the periphery thereof, a bearing opening enlarged upon one side of the center thereof, and a tongue projecting inwardly of said enlarged portion having a bearing face concentric with the other side of said opening, a ratchet wheel associated therewith having a true circular bearing opening therein and a pin and slot connection between said type wheel and said ratchet wheel.

7. In a numbering head, a digit wheel structure comprising a type wheel having digit types about the periphery thereof, a bearing opening enlarged upon one side of the center thereof, and a tongue projecting inwardly of said enlarged portion having a bearing face concentric with the other side of said opening, a ratchet wheel associated therewith having a true circular bearing opening therein, one of said wheels having a substantially radially extending slot therein and a slot therein extending obliquely to a radius thereof, and the other of said wheels having a plurality of pins adapted to enter, and have movement in, said slots respectively.

8. A numbering'head embodying therein a fame having a fixed shaft therein and a sequence of digit wheels rotatably mounted upon said shaft, the first and last wheels of said sequence each having a ratchet wheel permanently connected therewith, and the intermediate digit wheels each comprising a type wheel having digit types about the periphery thereof, a bearing opening enlarged upon one side of the center thereof, and a tongue projecting inwardly of said enlarged portion having a bearing face concentric with the other side of said opening, a ratchet wheel associated therewith having a true circular bearing opening therein and a lost motion connection between said type wheel and said ratchet wheel, said shaft having a recessed portion therein adjacent each of said intermediate wheels adapted to receive the tongue thereupon and permit movement of said wheels substantially radially of said shaft, actuating pawls adapted to cooperate with said ratchet wheels respectively, and a holding pawl associated with each of said ratchet wheels.

9. A numbering head embodying therein a frame having a fixed shaft therein and a sequence of digit wheels rotatably mounted upon said shaft, the first and last wheels of said sequence each having a ratchet wheel permanently connected therewith, and the intermediate digit wheels each comprising a type wheel having digit types about the periphery thereof, a bearing opening on larged upon one side of the center thereof, and a tongue projecting inwardly of said enlarged portion having a bearing face concentric with the other side of said opening, a ratchet wheel associated therewith having a true circular bearing opening therein and a pin and slot connection between said type wheel and said ratchet wheel, said shaft having a recessed portion therein adjacent each of said intermediate wheels adapted to receive the tongue thereupon and permit movement of said wheels substantially radially of said shaft, actuating pawls adapted to cooperate with said ratchet wheels respectively, and a holding pawl associated with each of said ratchet wheels.

10. A numbering head embodying therein a frame having a fixed shaft therein and a sequence of digit wheels rotatably mounted upon said shaft, the first and last wheels of said sequence each having a ratchet wheel permanently connected therewith, and the intermediate digit wheels each comprising a type wheel having digit types about the periphery thereof, a bearing opening enlarged upon one side of the center thereof, and a tongueprojecting inwardly of said enlarged portion having a bearing face concentric with the other side of said opening, a ratchet wheel associated therewith having a, true circular bearing opening therein, one of said wheels having a substantially radially extending slot therein and a slot therein extending obliquely to a radius thereof, and the other of said wheels having a plurality of pins adaptedlto enter, and

have movement in, said slots respectively, said shaft having a recessed portion therein adjacent each of said intermediate wheels adapted to receive the tongue thereupon and permit movement of said wheels substan tially radially of said shaft, actuating pawls adapted to coiiperate with said ratchet wheels respectively, and a holding pawl associated with each of said ratchet wheels.

11. A numbering head embodying therein a frame having a fixed shaft therein and a sequence of digit wheels rotatably mounted upon said shaft, the first and last wheels of said sequence each having a ratchet wheel permanently connected therewith, and the intermediate digit wheels each comprising a type wheel having digit types about the periphery thereof, a bearing opening enlarged.

upon one side of the center thereof, and a tongue pro ecting inwardly of sand enlarged portion having a bearing face concentric with the other side of said opening, a ratchet wheel associated therewith having a true circular bearing opening therein, one of said wheels having a substantially radially extending slot therein and a slot therein extending obliquely to a radius thereof, and the other of said wheels having a plurality of pins adapted to enter, and have movement in, said slots respectively, said shaft having a recessed portion therein adjacent each of said intermediate wheels adapted to receive the tongue thereupon and permit movement of said wheels substantially radially of said shaft, said recessed portions having an overhang, and said tongues having a cooperating undercut portion, actuating pawls adapted to cooperate with said ratchet wheels respectively, and a holding pawl associated with each of said ratchet wheels.

12. A numbering head embodying therein a frame having a fixed shaft therein and a sequence of digit wheels rotatably mounted upon said shaft, the first and last wheels of said sequence each having a ratchet wheel permanently connected therewith, and the intermediate digit wheels each comprising a type wheel having digit types about the pe riphery thereof, a bearing opening enlarged upon one side of the center thereof, and a tongue projecting inwardly of said enlarged portion having a bearing face concentric with the other side of said opening, a ratchet wheel associated therewith having a true circular bearing opening therein, one of said wheels having a substantially radially extending slot therein and a slot therein extending obliquely to a radius thereof, and the other of said wheels having a plurality of pins adapted to enter, and have movement in, said slots respectively, said shaft having a recessed portion therein adjacent each of said intermediate wheels adapted to receive the tongue thereupon and permit movement of said wheels substantially radially of said shaft, said recessed portions having an overhang, and said tongues having a cooperating undercut portion, each of said ratchet wheels having a recess adjacent one tooth thereof. a plurality of connected swinging pawls of graduated heights each operating with one of said ratchet wheels, and a holding pawl associated with each of said ratchet wheels.

In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature this 8th day of July, 1919, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

MAXIMILIAN H. KERN. Witnesses:

G. S. Hion, F. T. WENTWORTH. 

